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King Harald V Placed on Two-Week Sick Leave

8/24/2026

23 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Harald V Hospitalized

King Harald V's health deteriorated while hospitalized for haemolytic anaemia and a bacterial blood infection.
He was admitted to Oslo University Hospital on Aug 17 because fluid retention from cortisone treatment.
The palace said he received antibiotics, responded to treatment, and his condition was reported as stable.
He was placed on two-week sick leave, cancelling a Sept 1-2 Trondelag visit, while Crown Prince Haakon acted as regent.

Summary

Harald V Deteriorates

NRK1 interrupted regular programming to air a nine-minute bulletin on King Harald’s worsening condition.
Queen Sonja will conduct the planned Trøndelag royal visit in place of King Harald.
King Harald was hospitalized on February 24, 2026 in Tenerife.
The hospitalization was due to infection.
He also suffered dehydration.

History

Historical Context

King George VI, weakened by smoking-related lung cancer, died on 6 February 1952 at Sandringham, aged 56. His death followed a year of wartime service, the 1936 abdication crisis, and a September 1951 lung operation that never fully healed. The king’s passing triggered nationwide mourning, a televised funeral watched by about 304,000 visitors, and the accession of his daughter Elizabeth II.

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Harald V Hospitalized

King Harald V's health deteriorated while hospitalized for haemolytic anaemia and a bacterial blood infection.
He was admitted to Oslo University Hospital on Aug 17 because fluid retention from cortisone treatment.
The palace said he received antibiotics, responded to treatment, and his condition was reported as stable.
He was placed on two-week sick leave, cancelling a Sept 1-2 Trondelag visit, while Crown Prince Haakon acted as regent.

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